Self-driving cars coming our way

General Motors (GM) showed off "dream cars" in the late 1950s like the Firebird II and Cadillac Cyclone with features automakers are now starting to roll out in new models as the technology, based on sensors, lasers, radar systems, GPS, cameras and microchips - improves and becomes less costly.

It`s been more than half a century since some of the first concept cars boasting self-driving features were presented to the world and they`re still not on the roads.

While most industry officials don`t envision a fully self-driving, or autonomous, vehicle before 2025, features such as adaptive cruise control or traffic jam assist that automatically slow or apply the brakes for a car in certain situations are already being introduced.

But many auto executives say the industry is on the cusp of welcoming vehicles that make the idea of keeping both hands on the wheel an anachronism.

BdST 1736 HRS, AUG 15, 2012

Edited by:
Sabbin Hasan, ICT Editor